McArdle called up

City defender Rory McArdle has been called up into Northern Ireland's squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifying match away at European giants Portugal next Tuesday (16 October 2012).

McArdle was initially placed on standby for the fixture but has now been drafted into the main squad following an injury to Hull City defender Joe Dudgeon.

Despite the fact that Northern Ireland's match with Portugal isn't until next week, McArdle's call up means the defender is now set to miss this Saturday's home fixture with York City.

The Northern Ireland squad, including McArdle, flew out to the Portuguese city of Porto yesterday (Wednesday) where they will take part in a five-day long training camp ahead of their qualifier against Portugal in Porto F.C's Estadio do Dragao Stadium on Tuesday night.

McArdle, who has featured at right back and centre half for the Bantams so far this season, was one of four new players to be called up on Wednesday following a number of withdrawals within the Northern Irish camp.

Along with Dudgeon, Newcastle United's Shane Ferguson, Burnley forward Martin Paterson and Hibernian's James McPake have also been ruled out due to injuries.

Watford's Lee Hodson and Paterson's Burnley team-mate Daniel Lafferty were named alongside McArdle as replacements as a result.

Should McArdle be selected for Tuesday's match, he can expect to face up to the exciting challenge of pitting his wits against the likes of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United's Nani after the pair were included in Portugal's squad for the game.